2025 Law Review Symposium

The Art of Judging

Friday, October 10th, 2025

8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Legal scholars and jurists will delve into the complexity of the judicial craft, discussing the intellectual, practical, and human dimensions of judicial work. The symposium will address decision-making, courtroom management, and writing as well as the impact of evolving technologies on these core judicial functions as well as the increasing challenges judges face in responding to litigants' wellness issues, managing their own well-being, and maintaining the judicial persona—both inside and outside the courtroom.

Schedule

8:00 a.m. - 8:15 a.m.

Opening Remarks

8:15 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.

Panel I: Judicial Rhetoric

This panel explores the power of language in judicial opinions and court proceedings. Panelists will examine how rhetoric shapes the law, influences public perception of the judiciary, and communicates values beyond the technical resolution of disputes.

9:30 a.m.-10:45 a.m.

Panel II: The Judge as a Whole Person

This panel will explore the full spectrum of the judicial role as a holistic craft both on and off the bench. This will involve delving into how personal identity, background, and life experience shape judicial philosophy and decision-making, as well as how acknowledging the “whole person” informs our understanding of judicial responsibility. It will also consider the judge as a member of the community and how to fulfill that role in a contributive and ethical manner.

10:45 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Break

11:00 a.m. -12:15 p.m.

Panel III: Judicial Decision-making

How do judges reach their conclusions? This discussion highlights the cognitive, institutional, and philosophical factors at play in judicial decision-making. Panelists will address theories of interpretation, constraints, and the realities of judging in a complex legal landscape.

12:15 p.m. - 12:45 p.m.

Lunch Break

12:45 p.m. - 1:15 p.m.

Keynote

The keynote address will explore the role of technology in judging.

1:15 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.

Panel IV: Judges &Wellness

This panel will address a compassionate and effective approach to judging matters involving vulnerable populations, including children, victims, and marginalized communities. It will also explore how judges can sustain personal wellness and demonstrate resilience amid the heavy intellectual and emotional demands of judging.

2:45 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Break

3:00 p.m. - 4:15 p.m.

Panel V: Judges &Technology

From AI-assisted legal research to cybersecurity concerns, technology is reshaping the practice of law and the work of judges. This panel examines the promises and pitfalls of emerging technologies, their implications for judicial ethics, and the future of the courts in a digital age.

4:15 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Closing Remarks

Continuing Legal Education (CLE)

7 hrs. Total CLE Available (virtual option available), pending approval.

Speakers

Hon. Cristi R. BeaumontHon. Cristi R. Beaumont
currently serves as a Circuit Court Judge for Washington and Madison County in Arkansas, a position she has held since January 2013.

Hon. Bernice Bouie DonaldHon. Bernice Bouie Donald (Ret.)
is a nationally recognized retired federal judge with a distinguished judicial career spanning over 40 years.

Judge Earnest E. Brown, Jr.Judge Earnest E. Brown, Jr.
serves as Circuit Judge for Sixth Division of Arkansas' 11th Judicial District West (Jefferson and Lincoln Counties).

Judge Stephen Louis A. DillardPresiding Judge Stephen Louis A. Dillard
was appointed as the 73rd judge of the Court of Appeals of the State of Georgia on November 1, 2010.

Ross GubermanRoss Guberman
is the CEO and Founder of BriefCatch and is widely recognized as a leading authority in legal writing and education.

Steve LebenSteve Leben
is the Douglas M. Stripp Distinguished Professor of Law and Associate Dean for Faculty at UMKC Law School.

Gerald LebovitsHon. Gerald Lebovits
has been a New York City judge for 25 years. For the past 10, he has served in State Supreme Court in Manhattan.

Gary MarchantGary Marchant
is Regents' Professor and Faculty Director of the Center for Law, Science & Innovation at the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law, Arizona State University (ASU).

Terry MaroneyTerry Maroney
is the Robert S. and Theresa L. Reder Chair in Law at Vanderbilt University.

Jeffrey RachlinskiJeffrey Rachlinski
is the Henry Allen Mark Professor of Law at Cornell Law School.

Judge Lavenski R. SmithJudge Lavenski R. Smith
was nominated to the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit by President George W. Bush in 2001, serving as chief judge from 2017 to 2024.

Amelia Ashton ThornAmelia Ashton Thorn
serves as assistant director at the Bolch Judicial Institute and senior lecturing fellow at the Duke University School of Law.

Honorable Annabelle Davis Clinton ImberHon. Annabelle Davis Clinton Imber
was the first woman elected to the Arkansas Supreme Court and is currently a member of the Arkansas Center for Health Improvement's Advisory Board and serves as an officer on the boards of Congregation B’nai Israel, The Interfaith Center, and The Mussar Institute, Inc.